Los Angeles Football Club 0-1 Espérance | Group D
Goal: Youcef Belaili (70)
Espérance kept their knockout phase hopes alive at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ by defeating Los Angeles Football Club at GEODIS Park in Nashville.
Espérance, now with three points, are level with Chelsea FC but sit in third place on goal difference. CR Flamengo have qualified for the knockout stage and secured top spot in Group D with a game to spare. LAFC have been eliminated.
LAFC had the majority of possession in the first half and looked dangerous at times, but they had goals by Denis Bouanga and David Martinez called back. The match remained scoreless at the break after the teams combined for six shots, the fewest for a half in the tournament.
In the 49th minute, Espérance looked to have won a penalty after Youcef Belaili went down in the box from contact with Bouanga. However, after a VAR review, the call was overturned due to a lack of contact and Belaili yellow carded for simulation.
The Tunisian side finally broke through in the 70th minute. Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida made a long run and was dispossessed by Igor Jesus, but Belaili pounced on the loose ball in the box and beat Hugo Lloris with a hard, low shot inside the near post. Bouanga had a chance to give his side a lifeline with a late penalty, but saw the effort saved in stoppage time.
Both sides play their final group game on Tuesday 24 June. LAFC face Flamengo at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, while Espérance meet Chelsea at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
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Quotes
“We played as a team today, and we fixed the problems that we had for the last game. We are grateful for the three points.”
Elias Mokwana, Espérance winger
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Youcef Belaili (Espérance)
